Robbie Neilson admits it was an 'honour' to be Hearts manager as he broke his silence over his sacking with a classy statement.
The Jambos boss was axed on Sunday after a horror run of results that also allowed Aberdeen to leapfrog the Tynecastle side into third spot in the race to be best of the rest behind Celtic and Rangers. That league position could once again deliver guaranteed European group stage football and the riches that come alongside that prize. The capital club enjoyed a European adventure this season and have decided to go with Steven Naismith in an interim role until the summer as they bid to grab third once again.
A Scottish Cup win from either Old Firm side would mean that the European place that comes with lifting the famous old trophy would go to the Premiership team finishing behind the Glasgow duo in the league standings. That is a Europa League play-off spot with the guarantee of a parachute into the Europa Conference League group stages.
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The weekend defeat to St Mirren was the final straw in Gorgie, and after his axing, the 42-year-old has thanked the board and fans for their support over the past three seasons while he now takes time to reflect and recharge ahead of his next challenge in the dugout.
In a statement to the League Managers Association, he said: "I would like to thank Ann Budge and all of the board for giving me the opportunity to manage Heart of Midlothian over the past three seasons. We built a fantastic relationship and I will always have the utmost respect for them.
“My thanks also to the players and staff for their hard work and dedication. I have enjoyed working with you all and seeing you develop as both a team and as individuals. To my assistants, Lee McCulloch and Gordon Forrest, thank you for your unwavering support and dedication.
“Everything we achieved together, winning the Championship, two Scottish Cup finals, a third placed finish and securing European group stage football was with the superb support of the Hearts fans and the Foundation of Hearts. I thank you all for that. I am immensely proud of what we were able to achieve together. It has been an honour to be your manager.
“I would like to wish everybody at the club the very best of luck as they seek to finish the season strongly and build on the strong foundations already in place.
“I’m now looking forward to having a chance to reflect, recharge and prepare for the next opportunity."
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